Tragic news for the Kamloops Blazers and for the City of Kamloops as a whole.
Blazers president and chief operating officer, Don Moores, has passed away at the age of 65 while golfing earlier today.
Born and raised in Kamloops, Moores was a longtime resident in the Tournament Capital with strong ties to the hockey community.
He played for the Kamloops Chiefs for more than two seasons from 1974 to 1976. Prior to his role as President and COO, Moores a Blazers assistant coach from 1985 to 1990. He was also a Director for the Kamloops Blazers Sports Society from 2006-2008.
In a statement, the Kamloops Blazers say they are saddened are heartbroken by Moores’ sudden passing.
“Don was a dedicated family man and a pillar in the community. Don worked tirelessly over the past five years in making the Kamloops Blazers a leading organization in the WHL,” the statement read. “The Blazers family is devastated at the loss. Don and his family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”
The Western Hockey League too says it is saddened to learn about Moores’ sudden passing.
“No matter where you encountered Don, he had a smile on his face and he welcomed you with open arms. Don was a great person in every respect and was highly regarded by everyone in the WHL family,” WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said. “His contributions to the City of Kamloops, the Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club, and the WHL will not be forgotten.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don’s family and friends, as well as the entire Blazers organization.”
Mayor Ken Christian tells NL News the city has lost a great Kamloopsian and a great ambassador for the game of hockey.
“Just last week, we were kibitzing back and forth about the fact that we got the Mayor of Prince George into a Blazers jersey,” Christian said. “That was the kind of promoter that Donny was. He represented our city tremendously well wherever he was.”
“Donny has a long history in this community and he’s helped countless hockey players realize their dreams and their potential,” Christian added.
“I text Donny all the time. It is just unbelievable to think that he won’t be on the end of the phone. He’s going to be missed.”
In addition to hockey, Moores worked in the newspaper business for over three decades, including stints as the publisher for Kamloops This Week, vice president of Cariboo Press, and president of two separate divisions of Black Press – Prairie Operations and Interior Division.
It’s with deep regret and overwhelming sadness we announce the passing of our Team President and Chief Operating Officer Don Moores.
Statement: https://t.co/vHVmOTxGmn pic.twitter.com/WKqP8cL8qC— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) June 30, 2021
The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened by the passing of Kamloops Blazers President and COO Don Moores.
IN MEMORIAM | https://t.co/c5uEV730kt pic.twitter.com/2pXHMqSzvR
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 30, 2021
